Charales (fish)

Charales (genus Chirostoma) is a small fish (6 to 12 cm) found in Mexico.

Anatomy

It is thin, compressed, covered with scales and has a silver band on the flanks. It has a long, flattened head, blunt snout, small mouth with teeth and protractile, thick lips. It has 17 gill rakers. It has two dorsal fins. Adults eat zooplankton. They form groups with dozens of individuals. Males do not help with the young. It is ovoviviparous and employs external fertilization. They spawn in the spring.

Culinary use

Dried fish can be fried with salt and lemon and covered with fried egg with garlic or chili. They can be added to omelettes or fried pancakes in green sauce.

Availability

It can be purchased at restaurants on the shores of Lake Chapala in local markets. It is typically sold dried and is affordable.^[1]

References